Description
These festive Christmas Coconut Balls are a delightful no-bake treat combining rich coconut, decadent chocolate, and colorful holiday candies. Perfect for sharing or gifting during the holiday season, they are easy to prepare with just a few simple ingredients and no cooking required.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 2 cups unsweetened coconut (4 oz desiccated coconut)
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 5 Tbsp coconut oil (solid form, not melted; approximately 1/3 cup)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup Red and Green M&Ms (plus more to decorate)
Chocolate Coatings
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 Tbsp coconut oil
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (melted)
Instructions
- Prepare the Coconut Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the unsweetened desiccated coconut, sweetened condensed milk, solid coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients form a sticky, uniform dough.
- Add Festive M&Ms: Gently fold in the red and green M&Ms, reserving some for decorating later. Ensure they are evenly distributed without breaking them.
- Form Balls: Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, shape the mixture into approximately 28 small balls. Place them on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to firm up.
- Prepare Chocolate Coating: Melt the semisweet chocolate chips together with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil over a double boiler or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring frequently until smooth.
- Dip Coconut Balls in Chocolate: Using a fork or skewer, dip each coconut ball into the melted semisweet chocolate, ensuring it is evenly coated. Place the dipped balls back onto the parchment paper.
- Decorate and Add White Chocolate: Quickly press a reserved M&M on top of each ball before the chocolate sets. Drizzle melted white chocolate over the coated balls for an elegant finish.
- Set the Coconut Balls: Refrigerate the chocolate-coated coconut balls for at least 1 hour or until the chocolate is fully set and firm.
- Serve and Store: Once set, serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Notes
- Use solid coconut oil, not melted, when mixing the base ingredients for the right texture.
- The recipe calls for no baking; refrigeration is necessary to firm the mixture and chocolate.
- To make rolling easier, lightly wet your hands or wear disposable gloves.
- If you prefer, substitute M&Ms with other colorful candies or omit for a plain coconut ball.
- Store in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent melting of chocolate coating.
